Celebrating his 10 anniversary

     Celebrating his 10 anniversary, “Consona” didn’t clasp accordions – on 1st of July orchestra returned from concert tour in Norway, which lasted 2 weeks. Orchestra was the only foreign guest visiting Sandnes “NM Trekspill festival”, thanks to organizational committee and its leader Mr. Kåre Særheim for invitation and conductor of “Consona” Rita Auksoriute for especially near work.
During 3 whole days the participants of Festival performed in various public spaces and music-halls. Norwegian folklore, classical and modern music was presented; inspirational Norwegian music was enriched with modern rhythms. The soloists of different age and ensembles participated in the contest.
“Consona” also performed at various places and presented broad musical program. Thoughtful performance at Sandnes Church began with the duet of trumpet played by Tore O. Koppang and accordion played by Žana Gumionaja, J. S. Bach and C. Frank songs, performed by soloist Natalja Krauter and three suites by E.Grieg Siuite „Aus Holbergs Zeit“ followed. Amazing acoustics lead musicians in to subtle rendering of inlaying essence of masterpieces.



     Broad and diverse program was performed at Quality Residence Hotel, where grand evening concert took place. R. Würthner „Carmen fantasy“ and N. Rimsky-Korsakov Dance of Clown from opera „Sniegurotshka“ („Snowflake“); songs of S. Bixio and V. Kiara, „Waltz“ by M. Jukna (Žana Gumionaja as solo-accordion), M. Moszkowski „ Danses Espagnoles“ and „Dance suite“ by M. Vaitkevičius was performed and won burst of applauses and admiration by audience. Light music pieces were played for public at streets and squares of Sandnes and Stavanger – European culture capital 2008.
     “Consona” was entrusted to open final concert of the Festival with H.Boll’s “In mortal” in memory of A.Piazzola and V.Kiara song “La Spagnola” performed by Natalja Krauter.



     Orchestra was warmly welcomed by Sandnes mayor – during reception Mrs. Norunn Østrått Koksvik wished Orchestra to maintain new ties of friendship and continue communication between Norwegian and Lithuanian accordeonists.



     The mostly honorable, significant and exiting concert was performed in Bergen, at Concert Hall of Edward Grieg’s museum - Troldhaugen, where famous artist lived and composed, and which became his last resting place. E.Grieg’s famous masterpieces – suites for H. Ibsen’s “Per Gunt”, songs “Song on the Mountain”, ”Gratitude” and “Homeward” was written in a small house on a lake and this was the first time in the history of museum when E.Grieg’s music was performed by accordion. Great honor to play at Troldhaugen, getting in touch with famous composer’s living environment and feeling of exceptional aura of Museum left indelible impression to “Consona” participants. Mr. Eilif Loetveit gave Orchestra very warm welcome and guided an exiting tour to Museum.



     The myth about “Norwegian reserved temper” was absolutely destroyed by people who met and took care about “Consona”. In far North Country of magnificent nature we found very warm, sincere, attentive, helpful and understanding friends, who accepted orchestra as family members, became faithful fans of “Consona” and left glow of warmth in everyone’s heart – especial thanks to Tore O. Koppang, Hanne Marie Steen and Leif Otto Steen, for their warmth and everyday tireless attention.
     We are very glad, that colleague accordionists from different places in Lithuania joined “Consona”: Gražina Andruškevičienė (Druskininkai), Nijolė Daukšienė (Palanga), Aušra Bukauskienė (Panevėžys), Loreta Augėnaitė (Klaipėda). Loyal and friendly “support team” of “Consona” traveled together with orchestra.